When writing a response essay, you must describe your position on one of the issues in the article that you have read. Therefore, it is essential that you have understood all the words and ideas in the article, and that you formulate your opinion and adequately support it.
There are a few simple steps to follow in writing a response essay.
1. Understanding the article
First, read the article to get a general understanding.
Look at the headlines and captions, graphs and pictures to get the main idea of the article. Skim the article to confirm your predictions. Try to state what the article is about. (In the article, "Title",Writer's Name argues/describes/states that ....)
Make sure you understand the language of the article.
Look up any words you don't understand. Talk to other people about the article. Discuss it in class, with friends or with family. Clarify any confusion you may have about any part of the article.
Identify the issues in the article
Ask yourself, "What is the conflict here? What are the two sides to the conflict?" Notice the content-area your article pertains to. If you are studying criminology or criminal justice, the article might raise some legal issue. If you have been studying sociology, the article might focus on a sociological theme.
Frame the issues of the article in the form of questions as they might appear on the exam.
This stage is only necessary if you receive the text several days before you get the questions. (This might happen if you write the response essay as part of your final exam.) Doing this will not only test your understanding of the article, but will also allow you to write a practice essay before the exam.
2. Formulating and supporting your position
Write down your position
Make sure that your opinion is clear and specific.
Write an outline of a possible response to the article
List at least 2 arguments/reasons that you can use to support that point of view. Include some supporting details under each subtopic.
Note any relevant quotes or sections in the article that relate to the issue.
Make a note where to find them so that you can easily find them when you write your essay.
Write a practice essay
Time yourself. Don't spend more than 40 minutes on the essay once you begin writing.You will need the remaining time for planning before you write, and for proofreading after you've finished.
Get feedback
Give your essay to someone to read and get their opinion on the clarity of language and ideas.
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